We work with government agencies to manage, protect, and grow Queensland's forestry resources.
Our responsibilities
We:
- develop and implement policies and initiatives to assist the forestry sector in Queensland in collaboration with industry
- manage the commercial sale of state-owned native forest resources and quarry materials from state forests, timber reserves and other relevant lands under the Forestry Act 1959
- lead collaborative research and innovation to improve forestry production performance, wood quality, forest products and processing systems
- issue apiary permits under the Forestry Act 1959 on state forests and timber reserves
- administer and ensure compliance with the plantation licence held by HQPlantations over plantation forests on state land.
Responsible native forestry practices in Queensland
Learn how the regulation of selective native timber harvesting in Queensland ensures compliance with legislation and sustainable forest management standards through regular audits and certifications.
Show transcript
[How is native forestry regulated in Queensland?]
Selective native timber harvesting is strictly regulated in Queensland.
We ensure selective harvesting complies with Queensland's Code of Practice for native forest timber production as well as state and Commonwealth legislation.
We also undertake our own audits and inspections, working with different government agencies to ensure continued compliance.
[Matt de Jongh, Responsible Wood]
These state forests are certified to the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management through the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, which confirms that these forests are managed responsibly.
In order to maintain the certification, the forest management system is audited once every 9 months by an independent third-party auditor.
Responsibilities of other Queensland agencies
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, within the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (DETSI), is responsible for protecting and managing state forests, including regulatory and most non-commercial aspects.
DETSI is responsible for:
- administering the Code of Practice for Native Forest Timber Production on Queensland's State Forest Estate 2020 (PDF, 4.33 MB)
- auditing native forest harvesting authorised by our department
- protecting wildlife and habitats
- protecting and conserving non-Indigenous cultural heritage
- protecting environmental values from environmental harm under the following acts
The Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development administers forestry-related legislation on leasehold and privately owned land, under the following acts:
The Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism protects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage under the following acts:
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
- Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003
- Native Title (Queensland) Act 1993.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland ensures workplace protections under the following regulations:
Commonwealth Government roles
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry leads national forestry policy and holds legislative responsibilities for forestry and wood products.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water oversees environmental protections, including compliance with the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Local government roles
Local governments manage development, planning schemes, vegetation management, local rates and road use for forestry and wood products industries.
Refer to the Queensland Local Government Directory for more on development assessment and planning for new timber plantations.
Stakeholder input
We engage proactively by:
- consulting directly with affected stakeholders when developing operational harvest plans
- welcoming public submissions, feedback or complaints about authorised activities.
Stay informed by subscribing to Forestry News or emailing us.
You can also provide input on DETSI's environmental management through its public notices and consultations.
Contact us
Email ForestryEngagement@dpi.qld.gov.au
Last updated: 16 Feb 2026